What we gain by experience is not worth that we lose in illusion

Every generous illusion of youth leaves a wrinkle as it departs. Experience is the successive disenchanting of the things of life; it is reason enriched with the heart's spoils.

True courage is like a kite; a contrary wind raises it higher.

We find ourselves less witty in remembering what we have said than in dreaming of what we would have said.

When our friends are alive, we see the good qualities they lack; dead, we remember only those they possessed.

There are wounds of self-love which one does not confess to one's dearest friends.

Adversity, which makes us indulgent to others, renders them severe towards us.